Seabreeze FFA chapter raises close to $5,000 at its annual welcome dinner. PAGE 7A
Local aviation community pushed back at the City Commission’s Sept. 18 meeting. Decision postponed.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
In an effort to start chipping away at the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport’s almost $1 million debt, a proposal to implement a landing fee was introduced to the City Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 18. But, as the local aviation community pushed back on the proposal, and officials discovered it had not been reviewed by the city’s Aviation Advisory Board, the proposal was tabled. The Ormond Beach airport has accumulated a total debt to the city’s general fund of $999,852, and it doesn’t generate enough revenue through its existing tenants to be self-sustaining. City Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher said the landing fee — $3 per arrival, per 1,000 pounds — was proposed by staff following the commission’s direction to reduce the airSEE LANDING FEES PAGE 4A
Jensen Gainey dishes out
at
Seabreeze FFA chapter welcome back dinner. Photo by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze falls at home
CITY WATCH
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Leisure Services programs canceled
All outdoor and after-school programs at the city of Ormond Beach’s Leisure Services facilities have been canceled until Friday, Sept. 27. The cancellation is due to Tropical Storm Helene, which is predicted to strengthen into a hurricane.
OBPD to host National Night Out event
The Ormond Beach Police Department will hold a National Night Out event from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at The Casements and Rockefeller Gardens.
The first 500 people will get a free hot dog. There will be food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting and more.
Commission to meet Wednesday
The Ormond Beach City Commission will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The meeting was rescheduled due to National Night Out.
Email Jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com
Helene to bring rain, strong winds to Volusia
Ormond Beach is not in the path of Tropical Storm Helene, but county officials are still advising residents to be prepared for its impacts.
The National Hurricane Center forecasted the storm to intensify into a hurricane on Wednesday, rapidly strengthening into a Category 3 by Thursday. Helene is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend coast of Florida late Thursday.
“While the storm is again, on the west side of the state, it’s going to be a very large storm, with a very large wind field,” Volusia County Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham said in a video on Facebook.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Volusia County.
The latest forecast indicates a slight westward shift in the storm’s path. Volusia County is now expected to experience sustained winds below tropical storm strength and gusts up to 60 mph. Rainfall totals are forecasted to range between 2-4 inches, accompanied by 3- to 4-foot breaking waves and minimal storm surge.
All classes have been canceled at Volusia County Schools on Thursday, and the district canceled all after-school activities for Wednesday, except the Extended Day program.
Hurricane season will run through Nov. 30. Here are a few reminders from the county to stay prepared for any future storms:
A disaster supply kit should include a three- to seven-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication and other necessity items per person. One gallon of water per person, per day, is recommended. A half-gallon of water per pet, per day, is recommended.
Are you in an evacuation zone?
See the county’s map at https://bit.
ly/4diYulo.
Residents that live in a mobile home, low-lying flood prone areas, RVs or campsites should evacuate.
The use of flashlights over candles is recommended when the power goes out.
“All of us must do our part, because I can guarantee you that under my watch, on our watch here, that will always be our number one priority.”
VCS Superintendent Carmen Balgobin on school safety threats. See Page 5A
Need to use a public shelter? Shelter openings will be posted to Volusia.org/PIN prior to a storm event.
Have questions during a disaster? Call Volusia’s Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345.
Parents ask VCS to reconsider rezoning proposal
Volusia County Schools is looking to rezone students for the 2025-2026 school year to address overcapacity, and a few parents spoke at the School Board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24, to voice concern about one of the proposals: Moving 129 students currently zoned for Pine Trail Elementary to Holly Hill School.
The families affected reside in neighborhoods south of Division Avenue, between U.S. 1 and South Nova Road, to the city limits. The three parents who spoke before the board were concerned that their students would be moved from an “A” school (Pine Trail) to a “C” school (Holly Hill) in the rezoning.
“It’s fantastic to have growth ... but we need to deal with it without destroying established long-standing communities, like that of south Ormond Beach, which also happens to be an area that is lower income, more diversity, more marginalized,” Ormond Beach resident Anna Boyka said.
The rezoning, she added, would erase the efforts of families who worked hard to buy a home in a neighborhood zoned for an “A” school. A rezoning would create impacts beyond the school, Ormond Beach resident Megan Kiger said. She was told by her children’s daycare that it doesn’t pick up from Holly Hill, leading her to need to find a new facility if the rezoning takes place. Resident Sarah Colby proposed a petition be allowed for families to voice their concerns.
“My husband and I worked very hard to purchase a home that was zoned for Pine Trail and we’re unhappy to hear of the change,” she said.
Satellite imagery of Helene. Courtesy of the National Hurricane Center
Giving banned books a voice
Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education host ‘Break the Tape’ campaign at local Banned Books Week kickoff celebration.
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Citizens for Truth and Justice in Eduction, in collaboration with the National Coalition Against Censorship and the Kids Right to Read Network, launched Banned Books Week with a celebration held at Fern & Fable Books in Ormond Beach on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Sheila Zinkerman, the co-founder of CTJE, was contacted by NCAC’s youth free expression program coordinator Gianmarco Antosca prior to the event. He asked her if she would be interested in contacting the Golden State Readers — a group of California student activists who have pledged to promote free access to books and combat literary censorship, according to their website.
She called them immediately. As soon as they asked if she would become an ambassador and also be interested in a partnership, Zinkerman quickly accepted the offer.
“Immediately, they invited me to their Zoom meeting because they knew Banned Books Week was coming up,” she said. “I got on the call, and there were nine squares of some of the most beautiful high school kids and their facilitator from PEN America. They engaged and had no reservations about my age or anything. I was in awe.”
Zinkerman has been working with them for about three weeks. She recently reached out to them and requested a TikTok video. Within four hours, they provided one in time to be posted before the Banned Books Week kickoff celebration.
Last year, the Golden State Readers initiated the Break the Tape campaign to speak to students about book bans that had taken place in the United States. In California, over 400 backpacks were wrapped in caution tape, informational cards were handed out and over $1,000 was raised during the inaugural event. The group is hoping to spread awareness in other states where book bans have become interminable.
Zinkerman along with CTJE cofounders Jane Breslin and Laurel Robinson handed out #BreakTheTape flyers rolled in caution tape to locals who could wrap their backpacks in the tape and post the images on social media in an effort to bring awareness to the issue in Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Education, in Volusia County during the 2022-2023 school year, there were 89 objections to various books and two removals—“Flamer” written by Mike Curato and “Relish: My Life in the Kitchen,” written by Lucy Knisley. In Flagler County, there were 24 objections and 11 removals. An objection to a book can be raised by a parent of a public school student in the school district or a resident of the county where the school district is located, per the FLDOE.
CTJE co-founders hold their monthly meetings at Fern & Fable Books. After Zimmerman established a partnership with the Golden State Readers, she asked Rayna Dunlop if they could have their Banned Books Week kickoff celebration at her store.
“I love Rayna’s store,” she said. “I told her I had a group out in California that were dying to get into Florida — into Volusia County. So that’s what we did. Rayna is excellent. Some people shy away from this because it is controversial. She is so open-minded and very courageous.”
Banned Books Week is a national campaign. Dunlop said everyone from the American Booksellers Association, the American Library Association, PEN America and similar groups and publishers, use this week to give a voice to banned books and what is happening throughout the country regarding the issue. She said it is like a holiday week in the book world.
Dunlop said it was a great experience coordinating with Zinkerman who brought “swag” from coalitions and groups CTJE is involved with on a regular basis.
“I felt like Sheila was connecting the pieces today for me,” Dunlop said. “That was super encouraging, especially as someone who’s in the thick of it as a mom. Seeing the CTJE people out there advocating and fighting for us is very, very encouraging.”
Throughout the year, Dunlop uses information obtained from the American Library Association to help keep people informed about current statistics regarding challenged or banned books. She hopes to encourage people to get to know a book in its entirety not just an excerpt.
“I feel like a big part of it is taking the time to look at the books to see the full story — see the humanity and the beauty,” she said. “We learn so much empathy and understanding through fiction and nonfiction. I feel like in a lot of these books that get targeted, there are sections of them that people pick out a little piece and say it is inappropriate for our children.”
For Dunlop, she said it has been an overwhelming joy to get everyone on board with what Fern & Fable repre-
sents.
“The community really blew us away,” she said. “I have people sponsoring these (banned) books so I’m able to give away these books every single week. It has been encouraging to see how many people are on board with keeping the freedom to read and availability of books to our students. There are some loud voices, but they are not all of the voices.”
Volusia County School Board District 2 candidate Cassie Gonyer stopped by Fern & Fable to support the launch of Banned Book Week. She and her family are avid readers which they like to turn into conversation. She said she likes to talk with her kids about what they are reading.
“My family has pretty easy access to books but not all of my kids’ classmates do at Turie T. Elementary School,” she said. “It’s so important for our public school kids to have access to books at school. We’re making them go to school every day anyway, we might as well equip them with the books and education they need there at their schools.”
Gonyer said it is important that we keep the books on the shelves for our students.
“I think we should keep as many books on the shelves as we can,” she said. “I think a lot of times books get challenged because it makes one particular parent or group feel uncomfortable but there’s a whole other district of families that may look different than them that want to see themselves represented in books and so it’s important for them have access to those books to be able to see themselves. My kids go to a predominantly Black school and I want their classmates to be able to see themselves in books. I want my daughter to be able to read about characters that look like her classmates. It’s important that our kids have access to a variety of books and that we consider all families and parents viewpoints not just one particular parent or group of parents viewpoints.”
Tourism boosts off-market hotel sales
Interest in Ormond’s beachside, and its real estate, is attractive because it’s affordable — for tourists and those interested in commercial properties.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
How is Ormond’s beachside faring when it comes to tourism?
Real estate agent John Haley, of Coldwell Banker Premier properties, said interest is up — hotel parking lots are full, average daily rates have increased and so has revenue per available room. And this, he said, has led to commercial growth in retail and hospitality.
“Ormond just presents itself as a destination point for a higher end experience,” Haley said. “Just a different flow, if you will, than the entertainment zone and some of the other areas.”
Construction is currently ongoing for the newest hotel on the beachside, a 137-room, five-story Residence In by Marriott, to be located at 251 S. Atlantic Ave. The former Best Western at 205 S. Atlantic Ave. has also been converted to a new Spark by Hilton hotel.
Haley has, to date, agreements with two hotels to be sold off-market. These agreements could take a year or two to finalize, but once they are, the hotels will be sold in the $15 million to $20 million range. In these cases, the property owner tells Haley to bring them a buyer, hoping to avoid attention from public listings.
“It’s always been there,” Haley said of off-market sales. “But I see a trend more and more toward that, even with the larger players like Starwood Capital and some of the larger entities.”
“I think we should keep as many books on the shelves as we can. I think a lot of times books get challenged because it makes one particular parent or group feel uncomfortable but there’s a whole other district of families that may look different than them that want to see themselves represented in books and so it’s important for them have access to those books to be able to see themselves.”
CASSIE GONYER, Volusia County School Board District 2 candidate
A contributing factor to the rising interest in beachside properties is the current state of hospitality, Haley said. Events at the Daytona Beach International Speedway and the Ocean Center translate to hotel bookings.
The Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau calculated tourism had a $5.4 billion economic impact in Volusia County in 2023. Hotel occupancy was up 4.3% in July 2024 compared to July 2023, though the hotel average daily rate and revenue per available room both saw a decrease for the same time period. However, all three stats were up in June 2024, compared to June 2023, including a 10.4% increase in revenue per available room, going from $87 in June 2023, to $96.06 in June 2024. The revenue per available room was $96.75 in July 2024, down from $98.81 in July 2023.
“We are excited to see the development of new hotels and the renovation of existing properties, restaurants, attractions, and shopping,” said CVB Executive Director Lori Campbell Baker in an email to the Observer. “We are seeing significant investment in this community, and we are optimistic about the future for the Daytona Beach area for both our visitors and residents alike.”
Having more concerts and events at the Ocean Center has been a “welcomed addition,” she said.
Last year, the Volusia County Council approved a new booking model for events at the Ocean Center, hoping to increase the facility’s utilization. The county also hired a new director.
In Ormond Beach, Baker said development in the Ormond MainStreet area in recent years have contributed to the city’s tourism.
“We have witnessed some exciting developments in the Ormond Beach Main Street area thanks to Bill Jones and many others that have invested in that area and created a thriving district,” she said.
Ormond Beach, and its real estate, is attractive to people right now because it’s affordable, Haley said. The fact that there is little available vacant land also drives up demand.
Converting former hotel buildings into residential apartment or townhome units may also be a trend that takes place in the future, Haley added.
Email jarleene@observerlocal news.com.
Volusia County School Board District 2 candidate Cassie Gonyer (right) with Westside Elementary media teacher Maria O’Brien (left). O’Brien said readers are leaders.
Sheila Zinkerman, co-founder of Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education, shares information about banned books.
Rayna Dunlop, owner of Fern & Fable Books, hosts Banned Books Week at her store. on Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach. The launch was Saturday, Sept. 21. Photos by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach honors victim advocate Evelyn Rebostini upon retirement
JARLEENE
Ormond Beach Police Department
victim advocate Evelyn Rebostini has dedicated 20 years to helping people affected by crime. And on Friday, Sept. 20, OBPD celebrated her retirement.
Rebostini began working as victim’s advocate with the State Attorney’s office in 2004. In 2016, she began working with OBPD, earning recognitions such as Victim Advocate of the Year and Volunteer of the Year throughout that time.
Rebostini was also recognized at the City Commission meeting on Sept. 18, where she was presented with a mayor’s proclamation and a key to the city.
“She has been an amazing advocate and such a hard worker in our police department,” Mayor Bill Partington said at the meeting. “... Some
Landing fees
port’s fund debt. The city calculated the fees would generate $236,000 in net income and it had brought before the board a contract with Vector Airport Systems LLC for their collection.
“The landing fee revenue will be used to cover our share of state and federal grants for capital improvements projects as we try to maintain this airport for the users of it,”
Rademacher said.
Aircraft based at the airport, he added, would be exempt from the landing fee as they already pay their share of airport expenses in hangar rents and property taxes.
A total of 18 people, the majority of whom were against the fees, spoke at the commission meeting.
Several of the residents cautioned the city against implementing the fees as they would lead to unintended consequences, such as a reduc-
people retire and they wonder, ‘Did I do enough? Was I there enough? Did I make an impact.’ You never have to wonder that.”
Rebostini, a resident of Flagler County, has previously served as the vice president of the Victim Services Coalition of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, has participated on the Crime Stoppers Board, the Domestic
tion of airport operations, which could impact the city’s grants from the Florida Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Hangar owner Douglas Shinn said he spoke to other pilots who use the airport to conduct business outside of airport property, and that the landing fee would dissuade them from utilizing it in the future, leading to a decrease in air traffic.
“This decrease will dissuade business, instead of increasing business,”
Shinn said. “With that being said, I think it’s a mistake to try and impose landing fees. There are too many questions, at this point, unanswered. I think there’s better ways to increase the revenue at the airport.”
Ormond Beach pilot Daryl Hickman, who runs the Cub Flying flight school out of the airport, said pilots around the state are calling for a boycott of all airports that implement landing fees — and that will impact his business, if the commission approves them. Hickman said more than 95% of his clients are non-residents, including people who come
Violence Advisory Committee, the Human Trafficking Task Force, the Sexual Assault Response Team, the Community Christmas Club and Bikers Against Child Abuse.
Rebostini thanked the mayor and the city for the proclamation.
“As I stand here tonight, I reflect on nearly nine incredible years as a victim advocate with Ormond Beach
from out of state and out of the U.S.
“They eat in Ormond Beach,” Hickman said. “They stay in Ormond Beach. Their families stay here. They rent hotel rooms, and they patronize our restaurants. They will not come if you do this.”
Rather than implementing landing fees, Ormond Beach resident and pilot Samantha Boyer said, the city should instead focus on attracting businesses to the airport park and finding a use for the Riverbend golf course property, which has been vacant since December 2020. The golf course property was previously leased at $100,000 a year.
“Promoting events, educational facilities, air shows, car shows — that would encourage people to come and spend money in our city on our airport property,” Boyer said.
Other speakers said that the landing fees would result in flight schools reducing their touch-and-go exercises because of the increased operational costs, meaning students will receive less training.
“This proposal is not ready for primetime, and may never be,” citizen
Police Department,” she said. “It’s been a journey filled with challenges, growth and unforgettable moments.
I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated individuals who share a commitment to making our community a safer place, and they’re all here tonight.”
Their support, Rebostini said, has made her work meaningful and
Robert Jex said. “It will not improve pilot production in an industry that desperately needs more pilots. It will not improve revenues at the airport in the long term. In the short-term, it will — until people get the word that Ormond Beach is charging a landing fee ... for each and every landing.”
Patrick Murphy, vice president of Sunrise Aviation, another flight school based in the airport, said his position on the matter was neutral: He understood that the city needs to find a way for the airport to pay back its debt, but also, flying and flight training is expensive.
Ormond Beach resident Sean Daly was in favor of implementing the landing fee, saying that the city has a responsibility to be fiscally responsible for its citizens, and pointed out that the airport hasn’t been selfsustaining for over a decade.
“A million dollars of taxpayer money has been spent on someplace that’s used by very few people,” Daly said.
In 2015, the airport had a debt of $177,000. Here we are nine years later, City Commissioner Travis Sar-
full of joy. Her role will be filled by Courtney Fraine. “Every day, together, we’ve made a difference in countless lives,” she said. “I hope the impact of our efforts continues to resonate in the city of Ormond Beach. This role has taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, resiliency and importance of advocacy.”
gent said, at $1 million debt.
He asked staff if the landing fee proposal was brought before the Aviation Advisory Board, and Airport Director Steven Lichliter said the intention was to bring it before the advisory board this fall.
“I think it’s important that we would have them advise us before we are making a decision on something,” Sargent said. “That’s why we have an Aviation Advisory Board.” Sargent made a motion to table the item, which was later unanimously approved.
City Commissioner Susan Persis said she has a lot of questions about the fee and was glad the item was being tabled.
Commissioner Harold Briley said he agreed that the Aviation Advisory Board needed to review the proposal first, but that he agreed that the airport shouldn’t be supported by taxpayer dollars.
“The airport’s been running a deficit for many many years, and I don’t think necessarily the city should keep subsidizing the airport on the backs of the taxpayers,” Briley said.
Evelyn Rebostini is recognized by the city with a mayor’s proclamation and a key to the city. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/Ormond Beach Police Department
Rural boundary discussion set for 2025
County Council Chair Jeff Brower wished to discuss the possible charter amendment in two weeks — but he was overruled 4-3.
ALMENAS
JARLEENE
MANAGING EDITOR
Citizens have put forth a petition to place a Volusia County Charter amendment on the 2026 ballot to implement a rural boundary — a measure that would make it harder to develop in those areas — but the Volusia County Council may not start discussing the issue until March 2025.
The petition, created last week, has been signed 496 times as of Wednesday, Sept. 25. Its creation follows an ongoing effort in Orange County by its county commissioners who approved the placement of two charter amendments for the November ballot, according to reports by WKMG Channel 6. The amendments would establish a rural boundary, requiring a majority-plusone vote to approve urban development in those areas, and would require a majorityplus-one vote from the commission to allow governments to annex unincorporated land into their boundaries.
“As Volusia County residents, we have witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by developmentinduced flooding,” the petition by Daytona Beach resident Catherine Pante states.
“Many people have suffered major financial setbacks and seen their properties damaged. This situation is a direct result of unchecked development. We believe that
the introduction of a Rural Boundary Charter Amendment to the Volusia County Charter is a potential solution to this issue.”
At the council’s meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17, County Councilman Jake Johansson made a motion to place a discussion on the possible charter amendment sometime on a council agenda in March 2025, with the goal to potentially have the Volusia County Charter Review Commission look at it in May 2025.
“We’ve received a lot of email regarding the rural area boundary that Orange County voted on,” Johansson said. “I know this is of interest to many in our community. I’ve got some for it, some against it, but I’m finding, based on the limited knowledge I know, many of the people that are for it or against it have limited knowledge of what it’s about, or have only a portion of the information.”
In 2004, 71.4% of Volusia voters passed a similar charter amendment that aimed to implement urban growth boundaries — which the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported supporters hoped at the time would help protect environmentally sensitive land and restrict sprawl, while opponents said it would have detrimental economic impacts and drive up urban housing costs. This vote was later overturned in court on the basis that the ballot language was misleading.
Johansson said that he’d like to revisit the issue — lining up with County Council Chair Jeff Brower’s position. With the exception that Brower wanted to discuss the issue at the council’s meeting on Oct. 1. He’d already spoken about it with the county manager and attorney. This led to a dispute on the council, with Brower
agreeing that because it was a long process, the council should start on the issue now.
“It’s not going to be approved Oct. 1,” he said. “We’ve got to draw lines, the attorneys have to chime in, there has to be public hearings so that everybody does know what is going to happen, and we can discuss all that on Oct. 1.”
Johansson said two of the members — he and Danny Robins — will be absent on Oct. 1. He argued a discussion in March would still leave enough time to get it to the CRC. He said stakeholders, such as the Volusia County Farm Bureau, would likely not be able to consider the issue in time to speak on Oct. 1.
“I think it’s nearsighted to not include stakeholders in the initial conversation,” Johansson said.
Councilman David Santiago said that by Johansson making the motion, the council has already started the conversation. Robins said the council has more than two years to work on the issue.
“We have to get a tremendous amount of stakeholders at the table,” he said. “I don’t think we can do that in 13 days or less... I want to follow a good process, or make a good process with this.”
Brower asked County Attorney Mike Dyer if the council have the authority to change, or postpone a discussion, that was already directed to be placed on a future agenda by the chair. Dyer replied that he didn’t believe the council could “stifle the chair” in bringing an issue up, but that the majority could control the timing.
The board voted 4-3 to have the discussion in March, with Brower and Councilmen Troy Kent and Don Dempsey voting against.
District addresses spike in school safety threats
Students who make false school shooting threats or threats to harm other students will be expelled, per district policy.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
In one weekend, Volusia County Schools investigated 36 school safety threats, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin announced during the School Board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
“Think in terms of the manpower that is and the resources that we expend,” Balgobin said. “So I say this to you again, as your superintendent, I care about this community. ... I’m asking you to please engage with me actively as we do this work together.”
Balgobin’s plea for the community’s support comes after the Volusia Sheriff’s Office has arrested eight juveniles for making threats to conduct a school shooting or harm students. VSO released the names, as well as photos and videos of the arrest of three of the eight juveniles on social media, as Sheriff Mike Chitwood promised on Facebook that he would do so as a measure of accountability. A ninth juvenile — a 16-year-old Deltona High School student — was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 22. He posted a photo of a gun he downloaded from the internet along with a threatening statement on social media after getting mad at other gamers on Xbox.
“This is just not sustainable for our community or
our society,” Chitwood said.
“If you haven’t checked in with your child or taken tough action as a parent in a while, now is the time.”
Then on Monday, Sept. 23, several schools received false email threats with the intention of “swatting,” the term used by law enforcement when individuals trigger an emergency response by making hoax reports.
Chitwood reported that email threats came in to Deltona Christian School, DeLand High School, Atlantic High School, Trinity Christian Academy, Calvary Christian Academy and Chase Academy. At least one more was sent to a church in Indiana.
“The swatter was kind enough to provide my parents’ address and my home address in the email,” Chitwood said.
“Nothing we haven’t dealt with before. We will continue to investigate this one and also stay on top of every threat that comes in as this becomes a sad and pathetic new normal in our society.”
When it comes to accountability and responsibility, Balgobin said it’s a shared process.
“All of us must do our part, because I can guarantee you that under my watch, on our watch here, that will always be our number one priority,” Balgobin said.
The district will be following its Code of Conduct, with no exceptions, she said.
District policy states that any student who makes a threat or false report will be expelled for at least one year and referred for criminal prosecution. The School Board may assign the student to an alternative education program during their expulsion.
BRIEFS
OBPD swears in one new officer,
The
Joining OBPD is John Fabian, a former firefighter with the Palm Coast
ment. Fabian recently worked with OBPD as a Community Service Officer before becoming a sworn law enforcement officer. Additionally, OBPD promoted Jeremy Cline to the rank of corporal. Cline was OBPD’s Officer of the Year in 2023. David Lank was promoted to the rank of sergeant and Michael Garner was promoted to lieutenant.
“Each of these officers has been with OBPD for a number of years, bringing an abundance of skills and dedication to their new roles,” OBPD wrote on its Facebook page. “We’re so proud of their hard work and commitment to serving our community!”
Officer John Fabian is sworn in on Friday, Sept. 20. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/ Ormond Beach Police Department
promotes three
Ormond Beach Police Department swore in one new officer and promoted three during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 20.
Fire Depart-
from a freezer before she walked to the back of the store and ate them.
When officers arrived, the pair were already gone and were unable to be located.
SEPT. 10
ARREST RECORD
4:32 a.m. — 295 mile marker, Interstate 95, Palm Coast False name. To avoid being in trouble for an outstanding warrant, a Jacksonville man gave a Sheriff’s Office deputy his brother’s name during a traffic stop.
The deputy was on Interstate 95 when a Hyundai driving over the speed limit drove past him, according to an arrest report. The deputy had to drive at approximately 116 mph to catch up with the car that, even after gradually slowing down, was still going 81 mph in a 70-mph zone.
The driver did pull over for the traffic stop and inside the car were two men. The driver told the deputy he did not have his driver’s license,
despite saying he was on his way south for a gambling trip. Instead, he gave the deputy a name that turned out to belong to his brother, who has a criminal record. When confronted about it the photo not matching, the suspect admitted to giving his brother’s name instead.
The man was arrested.
SEPT. 11
HEAD OVER HEELS
3:35 a.m. — 293 mile marker, Interstate 95, Flagler County DUI. An Ormond Beach woman was arrested for driving under the influence after she almost hit a Sheriff’s Office deputy’s patrol car on Interstate 95. Despite only admitting to drinking one glass of wine over nine hours earlier, the woman failed the sobriety field tests and refused to take a breath test. She was taken to the county jail.
BRIEFS
Orlando man arrested, charged for trying to pay juvenile for sex
An Orlando homeless man was taken into Flagler County custody on Sept. 19 after he was caught messaging a detective posing as a 14-yearold for sex in July by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office detectives, ran an undercover, online operation in July that targeted suspects seeking to meet minors for sex. A detective posing as a 14-year-old girl began texting with the suspect, 50-year-old Alfred Joseph Distasio.
Distasio offered the detective, who he thought was a 14-year-old, up to $700 for “an overnight” with her, according to Distasio’s arrest report. He agreed to pick her up from the Palm Coast theater.
The conversation happened in July and on Aug. 26, FCSO detectives went to Orlando and interviewed Distasio, the report said. He admitted to texting whom he thought was a 14-year-old.
Distasio has been charged with using a computer to seduce and lure a child and unlawful use of a communication device. He was originally detained at an Orange County Detention facility and then transferred into Flagler County’s custody.
He is being held on an $80,000 bond.
Palm Coast man arrested in connection to 2010 cold case
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Virginia man with warrants for his
arrest in connection to a 14-year-old cold case.
Timothy Hickerson, 43, of Palm Coast, was pulled over on Tuesday, Sept. 17, for a traffic stop after he ran a red light, a FCSO press release said. When the FCSO deputy ran his name, he discovered active warrants for Hickerson’s arrest from Virginia for second degree murder and burglary, Hickerson’s arrest report said.
Hickerson is wanted for the murder of Shane Ryan Donahue, 23, of Nokesville, Virginia, the press release said, who has been missing for 14 years and is presumed dead by Virginia authorities. His remains have not been found, the press release said.
Donahue disappeared on March 24, 2010, after he left his parents home in Nokesville. Investigators recently reactivated the investigation and discovered Hickerson is believed to be the last person to see Donahue alive as the two were seen leaving Donahue’s parents’ home together.
Hickerson was also connected to a burglary at Donahue’s home days before Donahue’s disappearance.
Prince William County, Virginia investigators obtained the warrants against Hickerson since reactivating the investigation, the press release said. Hickerson is being held at the Flagler County jail until he is extradited back to Virginia. He has been living in Palm Coast since 2022.
Drunk Palm Coast man points gun at utility employees
A Palm Coast man was arrested on Regent Lane on Sept. 19, after he pointed a gun at solar company employees working in the area.
Roland Littlefield, 53, told Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies that he thought the men were “casing his residence,” according to a
FCSO press release. One of the victims told deputies they left the area after Littlefield approached their vehicle, pointed the gun at him and said, “This is not the spot to hang out.”
The victim told deputies he and his coworkers immediately left the area for their own safety. When deputies arrived at Regent Lane, Littlefield and a neighbor were both outside and armed with guns. Both men were told to drop their weapons and lie down on the ground, where they were placed in handcuffs, the press release said. Littlefield admitted he approached the victim’s vehicle and, after they had left, went to a neighbor for “help,” who then came outside with his own handgun.
Deputies could smell alcohol on Littlefield, who admitted to having several drinks earlier in the evening, the press release said. The neighbor told deputies he did not see the earlier encounter and believed Littlefield was drunk.
While the neighbor was cleared of doing anything wrong, Littlefield was arrested and has been charged with using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Georgia woman arrested after robbing Ormond credit union
Ormond Beach Police arrested a 32-year-old woman on Monday, Sept. 23, after officers say she robbed the Launch Credit Union at 240 Williamson Blvd. Police report that at around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a panic alarm from the credit union. The woman, identified as Shadae James, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was reported to have handed a bank teller a note demanding cash, claiming to have a gun and threatening harm if anyone resisted, according to a press release. The teller complied and handed her money, and James fled the scene on foot.
Police obtained surveillance photo from the credit union, and with assistance from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, began searching the area. James was found at the Sleep Inn located at 170 Willamson Blvd., where she was arrested. James “was cooperative with authorities and gave a full confession,” the press release states. All of the stolen money was recovered.
Officers also found two notes written by James, one threatening the use of a gun and the other mentioning an explosive. James did not have a firearm during the robbery. No injuries were reported and the bank confirmed it wished to pursue charges. James is being charged with armed robbery, which includes penalties for robbery while threatening to use a weapon.
Seabreeze FFA hosts welcome back dinner
The Seabreeze FFA chapter raised close to $5,000 at its annual kickoff dinner held on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A full house of students, their families and community members attended the Seabreeze Future Farmers of America chapter welcome back dinner and live cake auction on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the school’s cafeteria.
FFA students served a barbecue dinner, and sold T-shirts and tickets for a 50-50 raffle. Farm animal themed cakes and “bouquets” of cupcakes were auctioned off by professional auctioneer Tommy Wilkins.
Seabreeze agriculture teacher Craig Lungren said the dinner kickoffs the year and gives an opportunity for new agriculture students, FFA members and their families to learn more about the program. He said students can also network with local community members for potential internships and possibly glean some business acumen.
In 2022, Lungren started teaching the class and approximately 80 people attended the dinner. Three years later, 262 people went to the kickoff — over triple the initial attendance. The event raised close to $5,000, which goes to the Seabreeze FFA Alumni, who in turn, pay for students to attend conferences and conventions, purchase FFA official dress, help with projects throughout the year and fund senior scholarships.
“Right now we are 100 miles per hour,” Lungren said. “We are into contests, shows, certification exams and events. You name it, we are going with it.”
Seabreeze FFA Chapter
President Ariel Burd officially launched the meeting followed by words from FFA Officers State Vice President Afrifa Amoah-Mensah and District President Lacy Box. District 4 Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis and Seabreeze Principal Tucker Harris also addressed the crowd.
Harris said that, if not for Lungren’s vision and tenacity, the program would have been shut down. There were
six agriculture classes with 15 students per class the first year Lungren started. Currently, 12 classes are offered in animal science, agricultural technology and foundation, with the class size averaging 30 to 35 students. The increased workload made it necessary for Harris to hire an additional agriculture teacher. He hired Kyndall Capps, who graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in animal sciences in January. Initially, Capps taught half of her classes in environmental science and half in agriculture. The demand was so great that she is now a full-time agriculture teacher and FFA advisor with Lungren.
“There was not a chance I thought I’d be teaching at high school but I absolutely love it here,” she said. “I love the kids. I love the program. I love teaching. Principal Harris is amazing. Overall, it’s just an amazing school and program to be a part of.”
Capps said her goal is to get back to some of the traditional FFA contests that Seabreeze has not been a part of in the past couple years. Their focus has been on an urban commu-
nity and not as much on a rural one like some of the other FFA chapters.
“I want to bring livestock judging — meat judging — to the program,” she said.
“I want to get back to some of our basic FFA things that Seabreeze hasn’t had in the past. I’m just really excited for this school year. I can’t wait to see what our kids accomplish at national convention, at state convention and all of our contests. I think they’re going to to do amazing this year.”
Sophomore Ethan Ellis and freshman Trevor Lewis were selling FFA shirts at the event. It was their first year in the program. Ellis was on the waiting list his freshman year. He recalled visiting his aunt’s farm every week in the past, where she had goats, pigs and peacocks.
“It was always fun to go over there,” Ellis said. “My favorite part of FFA is livestock. I have always loved animals. I want to start showing goats or pigs.”
Lewis wanted to join FFA to learn. He said his interest started in eighth grade when some of his friends were involved in the program.
“I wanted to join FFA because I felt like it would be a good learning experience,” Lewis said. “There’s public speaking and you can learn how to agribusiness. You can also learn how to show animals and contain livestock.”
The agriculture lab houses a plethora of new animals this year, including sheep, goats, chicken and rabbits. Swine and livestock are located offsite, with the goal to build a larger land lab to house them closer to the school. Students will get hands-on experience with the project since Agriculture Operations is now part of construction class, where they learn welding and woodworking. Lungren took over the class after construction teacher Ray Grimard retired.
Also new this year will be the addition of aquaponic units, which Lungren said should be up and running by the end of October or the beginning of November. Students will learn how to raise fish and crustaceans. They will showcase how the fish will be used to fertilize plants through the new system.
Lungren said the class now has 12 raised planters, but he also continues to teach his students vertical gardening with trellises and arches. He is focused on partnering with the culinary academy and the cafeteria to share the produce grown in the lab.
“That’s one of our goals this year: We are going to grow things to promote healthy lifestyles,” he said. “We are going to work with the athletes at the school to promote what would be good types of meats, vegetables and fruit that will help with protein, energy and keeping their electrolytes up. The agricultural (program) showcases what we do in agriculture and how it benefits Allied Health, how it benefits the culinary academy and how it benefits the cafeteria. The
goal is
main
to put all of us into one unit — a self-run unit.”
Seabreeze FFA officers River Leary and Jack von Hein push the goat cake out into the crowd to amp up the bidding.
Seabreeze agriculture students Trevor Lewis (left) and Ethan Ellis (right) stand with teacher Kyndall Capps (center) as they sell Tshirts at the FFA welcome back dinner.
District 4 Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis grabs a bite to eat with District 3 Volusia County School Board member Jessie Thompson.
FFA officer Lani Selman
Sign vandalism is against the law, sends troubling message
My wife Susan and I appreciate the Observer running an article calling attention to someone vandalizing our political signs.
As principals of Pine Trail Elementary, Tomoka Elementary and Ormond Beach Middle School, we are deeply concerned about the recent defacement of our signs, which are located on private property. This type of behavior not only breaks the law but also sends a troubling message to children. How are parents and grandparents expected to explain such acts of vandalism to them?
Although petty sign mischief, such as moving a sign or placing a sign in front of another candidate’s sign, sometimes occurs during campaigns, I have never experienced this level of defacing signs and trespassing in my 23 years of serving the citizens of Volusia County, as a city commissioner, mayor, county council member and school board member.
This is why I filed a formal complaint with the Ormond Beach Police Department and why Susan and I are offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the
arrest of anyone vandalizing our political signs.
In the Observer article my opponent for school board, Donna Brosemer, dismissed the significance and seriousness of these actions. She stated, “I ran campaigns for 20 years and it just always happens,” as if this is an acceptable norm. Vandalism and trespassing should never be seen as trivial. Such actions do not belong in our community, particularly in a nonpartisan school board race. To be clear, this is a crime as stated in Florida State Statute 812.014. Conviction can result in penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Ms. Brosemer suggested the damage could be the result of weather or accidental collisions. Look at the photos and judge for yourself whether this damage was caused by natural forces or accidents.
As an educator, I have always strived to uphold the highest ethical standards. I want to be a good role model for students. I believe it is important to respect the law and expect the same from others.
As an elected official, I have always run positive political campaigns, including following all elections laws and encouraging supporters to be respectful of my opponents’ signs.
General Elections are about choices and the contrasts between two candidates. My opponent in this race trivializes criminal activity as opposed to condemning or attempting to control illegal behavior.
And she has also been running a negative campaign. I ask you to consider if she is the type of person who you want representing you and children on the school board?
As we move forward, I remain committed to serving our community with integrity and focusing on what truly matters—ensuring a quality education for all students in Volusia County.
Carl Persis is the incumbent Volusia County School Board member for District 4. He is a former principal, assistant principal and teacher for Volusia County Schools.
Editor’s note — Donna Brosemer was given a chance to respond:
Campaigns are a great way to learn about candi-
date priorities. Mr. Persis should reevaluate his. With a $135,000 war chest, any damage to his signs was a tiny fraction of his bloated campaign account.
The district budget is equally bloated. He raised no objection when, with the Board’s knowledge, they mishandled $200 million in Covid funds. He has allowed schools to be without media specialists, students to get home at dinnertime because of a lack of buses, classes and programs to be cancelled — things that are his job to fix, and which actually matter. He apparently cares more about his own budget than that of the public.
Mr. Persis isn’t used to having to defend his record. In eight years on the school board, he has played the part of a cheerleader who doesn’t have to care whether his team wins or loses. He can just keep smiling and telling the fans how great their team is doing. If he admits anything needs improvement, he might have to do some actual work.
The team is losing. The damage to his signs is trivial. He wants someone to be held accountable. The voters will do that on November 5.
Editor’s note — Carl Per-
sis was given a chance to respond:
Another negative attack from Donna Brosemer, who moved here three years ago.
Rather than condemn the actions of the lawbreakers, who defaced six of my signs, she continues to downplay their trespassing and vandalism. She criticizes me for wanting to hold the people, who were responsible for damaging my signs, responsible.
She attacks me for being a positive voice for public education. She attacks the school district and speaks in half-truths. For example, I do not have a $135,000 campaign war chest. The balance is closer to $15,000. The District did not mishandle $200 million in COVID funds. We strategically invested the money to hire more teachers to enable students to learn in smaller class sizes at school, online at home, or a hybrid of staying home and learning from their teachers, who were at school.
The return on this investment is evident. Seabreeze and Ormond Middle rated A. Pathways, Pine Trail, and
Ormond Elementary rated A. Tomoka and Hinson Middle rated a high B. Only five schools, out of 62, do not have a fulltime media specialist. These five have a combination of media clerks and extra support from a district resource teacher. Negative Brosemer will continue to attack. I will continue to cheer for children and teachers and be a positive role model for students.
YOUR TOWN
Help the 11U Spikes go to Cooperstown
The Greater Daytona Beach Senior Softball Association is renting Jackie Robinson Stadium for a day to help the U11 Ormond Beach Spikes raise funds to attend a tournament in Cooperstown, New York in
Summer 2026. The cost for the trip is $60,000.
This is the first fundraising effort for the Ormond Beach Youth Baseball and Softball Association team. According to a press release, GDBSSA will donate the first check for $300 and will sponsor for a 50/50 split the pot and silent auction at the fundraiser, to take place at the stadium from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. The public is invited to attend. There is no admission fee. At the stadium, the GDBSSA will play softball
along with a home run derby contest. The league has two divisions: a junior league for those 60 and up, and one for those 70 and up. The divisions are open to the community for anyone that wants to sign up. The season starts in January 2025. Visit gdbssa.com. Further fundraising efforts will include working the concession stands at the Ormond Beach recreation fields during any tournaments, car washes, silent auctions and more. Call Chuck Weisman at 513200-9821.
CARL PERSIS VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
Carl Persis comments on recent vandalism.
Susan Persis’ political sign in front of Granada Plaza was damaged by spray paint.
The stickers that were used to deface Carl Persis’ signs.
Carl Persis’ sign was damaged by a sticker. Courtesy photos
The 11U Ormond Beach Spikes team. Courtesy photo
Announcements
Mareedu, MD will no longer see patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Interventional Cardiology at Palm Coast located at 61 Memorial Medical Parkway, Ste 2811, Palm Coast, FL 32164. Patients should have received communication regarding transition of care. If you are a patient and did
Volusia County students were led on a musical journey by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“Orchestra Overboard!” narrator
Seaweed Sam helped close to 5,000 Volusia County fifth graders navigate orchestral seas at the 32nd annual Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young People’s Concert on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Peabody Auditorium.
Conductor Christopher Confessore and Sam, played by actor Lizzy Allen, led the students on a musical journey out of an orchestra pit where the pirate had a hypothetical shipwreck. They traveled to new depths with a quartet of aquatic characters and a living volcano, performed by the Orlando Ballet, and discovered hidden treasure with the assistance of Opera Orlando’s friendly baritone shark, Thandolwethu Mamba and singing mermaid Kristen Marie Gillis.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra has offered the Young People’s Concerts since its first season 32 years ago. The concerts are OPO’s largest and longest running educational program, according to their website. Disney continues to be the presenting sponsor in collaboration with over 10 additional sponsors. Partial funding is contributed by Orange County Public Schools and the United Arts of Central Florida. Program partners include Volusia County Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Osceola County Public Schools and Seminole County Public Schools.
Amy Conrod is the OPO Director of Education and Community. She addressed attendees of the VIP event prior to the show, including, Volusia County Schools Executive Director of Elementary Division Kristy Castellanos, Volusia County School
Orchestra Overboard!
Board members Jamie Haynes, Jessie Thompson and Carl Persis, VCS Performing Arts Specialist John Dupuis, VCS Fine Arts Specialist Craig Uppercue, Daytona Beach Symphony Society board members and executive director Mark Francis along with multiple OPO directors. Conrod said the program is a huge collaboration between the conductor, who helps pick out the music, and scriptwriter Candace Neal who has been involved with the concert for a long time — she knows what the kids like. OPO staff has also conducted research to determine how long fifth graders stay engaged so most of the musical pieces do not exceed two minutes.
Teachers are also provided with a guidebook to help familiarize their students with the music prior to the concert. It covers everything from the program composers, the musical pieces, the musicians and the instruments they will be playing during the perfor mance and concert etiquette. Volusia County music teachers Brittany Rath of Freedom Elementary and Payten Ford of Manatee Cove Elementary were two of the guidebook writers.
“This program is really something special,” Conrod said. “We are here in Volusia where we see 100% of their fifth graders, which is an incredible feat to get them all here. You’ll hear them and they’re loud and incred ible. By the end of our run, we will see approximately 65,000 kids for this program. We do 32 performances so our musicians know it very, very well by the end.”
Volusia County has been partici pating in the Young People’s Con certs for close to 25 years. This year, they used 100 buses to transport 4,932 students from 48 elementary schools in the county.
Uppercue has been the VCS Fine Arts Specialist for four years. Both Uppercue and Dupuis sit on the OPO education committee. They meet once a month to discuss various community activities including the
LOCAL EVENTS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
FLORIDA’S CAROLYN BEATRICE PARKER AND THE MANHATTAN
PROJECT
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Peggy Macdonald, an adjunct professor at Stetson University & Indian River State College, will discuss one of Florida’s own “hidden figures,” a product of Florida’s segregated education system, who excelled and earned a master’s degree in physics with the Dayton Project, a division of the Manhattan Project. Parker’s team worked with the highly radioactive material Polonium, which was used as the initiator for early atomic bombs.
Details: The sixth annual Ormond Beach Live Original Music and Art Festival is coming back to town, featuring 12 stages with over 100 local and regional acts performing at The Casements, Rockefeller Gardens, and Fortunato Park. There will be rock, folk, jazz and country music groups, and the festival will showcase over 70 artist display booths, various trade booths, food courts, and beer gardens. There will be activities for kids, including a youth art contest, carnival games, a rock climbing wall, drum circles, pony rides, a kids’ karaoke contest, arts and crafts, and multiple bounce houses. Fletcher’s Irish Pub will host a free after-party concert from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Visit www.ormondlive.com.
anthem before the concert.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I think it’s the best thing Volusia County can do for our students. This might be the one and only time that they get to see a real live orchestra in person in their whole lives. I look forward to it every year.”
As an art supervisor, Uppercue said his primary goal is to ensure the development and sustainability of high quality arts instruction throughout the district. He said the
art forms,” he said. “One of the most important aspects of my role and my colleagues (John Dupuis and Bryce Hammond) who are performing and visual arts, I think, is to create a vision for arts education throughout our district that supports creativity and innovation and inclusivity. We want to make sure our teachers and students are empowered to thrive in a dynamic arts-rich environment. Our leadership really has a vision of making sure our culture is excellent.”
“We want to make sure our teachers and students are empowered to thrive in a dynamic arts-rich environment. Our leadership really has a vision of making sure our culture is excellent.”
CRAIG UPPERCUE, VCS Fine Arts Specialist
DAY OF PLAY
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Details: The Ormond Memorial Art Museum will join forces with the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia for this year’s Day of Play. There will be puppet shows starring Femus the Gopher Tortoise (appearing alongside his human Geoffrey Cormier), lawn games, music, story time, hula hoops, bubble station, door prizes and more. Explore the OMAM gardens and learn about the new Symbolic Turtle Adoption program. Activities will be moved indoors in the event of rain.
BIRTHPLACE OF SPEED SOIRÈE
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: 127 Riverside Drive, Ormond
Details: Join the Ormond Beach Historical Society for this fundraiser at one of the city’s historic homes. Enjoy music, dancing, racing memorabilia and more. Cocktail attire is recommended. Tickets cost $100 per person. Visit ormondhistory.org or call 386-677-7005.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
JEEP MCCOY SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT AND DINNER
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Museum of Arts & Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach
Details: The North East Florida Jazz Association will present its annual Jeep McCoy Scholarship concert and dinner, featuring the Longineu Parsons II Quartet. This is NEFJA’s signature fundraiser and the proceeds will provide scholarships for young musicians enrolled in a Jazz Studies program at a Florida college or university. For more information and tickets, call Chez Jacqueline at 386-447-1650, visit www.NEFJA.org, or call 386-793-0182 or 386-4451329.
THURSDAY, OCT. 3
RECIPES AND READS CULINARY LAB: THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF FOOD —AFTERNOON TEA When: 3:30 p.m.
Details: Learn about tea made from hydrangea plants,
Volusia County Schools Fine Arts Specialist Craig Uppercue (right) gives fifth graders some pointers before they take the stage to sing the national
anthem on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Peabody Auditorium.
Beachside Elementary music teacher Sarah Johns and her students Hope Bower and Cai Allen get ready to take the stage. Photos by Michele Meyers
Fifth graders are excited about the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young People’s Concert
BUSINESS
‘We’ve been thrilled with the reception in the community and the member turnout,’ a BJ’s spokesman said.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
After months of waiting, Palm Coast’s new BJ’s Wholesale Club opened on Sept. 20. “We’ve been thrilled with the reception in the community and the member turnout,” BJ’s Chief Communications Officer Kirk Saville said. Saville said people were joining the club even in the days leading up to opening day with a lot of “excitement and enthusiasm.” The Palm Coast location is BJ’s 38th club in Florida and 245th club overall.
The store has around 100 employees, from part-timers
BIZ BUZZ
First Watch to replace Peach Valley Café at Granada Plaza
A First Watch restaurant is coming to Ormond Beach. First Watch will replace the former Peach Valley Café on the beachside at 185 E. Granada Blvd. Peach Valley closed this location after Labor Day; its location on the mainland at 1185 W. Granada Blvd. remains open. So how soon will First Watch move in? A spokesperson said in an email to the Observer that the company is aiming to be open before the end of 2025.
to management, he said, and those are a mix of veteran employees who have transferred from other BJs store locations and local new hires.
BJ’s prides itself, he said, on offering potential career paths for all its employees and offers a starting pay that is “well above minimum wage in all of our markets.”
BJ’s Wholesale makes roughly $20 billion a year in revenue, he said.
A large part of what separates BJ’s from other wholesalers is its commitment to “delivering unbeatable value,” Saville said, through a combination of great promotions, savings and high-quality goods and brands.
“It’s all based on value,” he said.
The Palm Coast BJ’s has also joined other Northeast Florida locations in donating fresh meat, produce, dairy and bakery items at the end of every
The Ormond Beach location will span about 5,000 square feet, seating 145 people inside. The First Watch will also have a recessed patio. First Watch is a restaurant chain based in Bradenton. The first location was opened in Pacific Grove, California in 1983, but headquarters moved to Florida in 1986. The company has 538 restaurants across 29 states.
Cloudhop Bakeshop opens at Tanger Outlets
Daytona Beach
A new bakery is now open at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach. Cloudhop Bakeshop, located
week to Feeding Northeast Florida, a local branch of the nonprofit Feeding America. Saville said that Feeding Northeast Florida then partners with other, more local food banks in the community.
BJ’s Wholesale has partnered with the Feeding America network for over 15 years. In fiscal year 2022, it donated more than 12.9 million pounds of food to Feeding America food banks. According to Feeding Northeast Florida — which serves eight counties, including Flagler County — Flagler County has a food insecurity rating of 12.2%
This is just one of the ways BJ’s tries to give back to its local communities, Saville said.
“We’re driven by a powerful purpose,” he said. “We say we take care of the families who depend on us.”
in a 1,000-square-foot storefront next to the Columbia store, offers cookies and cupcakes, including tres leches and blueberry amaretto cupcakes, and stuffed cookies featuring fire-roasted s’mores and childhood-favorite cereals.
“We are excited for guests to experience the inventive flavors created by Cloudhop Bakeshop,” said Shelley Sloan, Tanger Daytona Beach marketing director, in a press release.
“As we expand our retail offerings, we continue to be intentional about bringing in brands that blend quality with originality.”
Cloudhop Bakeshop inside the outlets is the brand’s second store. The original is located in Orlando.
How Hearing Aids Work and Why Communication Skills Remain Essential
Hearing aids are remarkable devices that improve the lives of millions by helping individuals with hearing loss regain some or much of their ability to hear. However, while hearing aids transmit sound, they don’t replace the need for strong communication skills. Understanding how these devices work and why interpersonal communication skills remain essential is key to making the most of hearing aids.
How Hearing Aids Work
At their core, hearing aids are miniaturized sound amplifiers. While older models were simply analog devices that made all sounds louder, modern hearing aids use digital technology to provide more sophisticated processing, offering a clearer and more customized experience.
1. Microphone: Capturing Sound
The process begins with a microphone, which picks up sound waves from the environment. These sound waves are then converted into electrical signals, which are processed by the device. Modern hearing aids can filter out some environmental noise, helping focus on speech and essential sounds.
2. Amplifier: Boosting the Signal
After the microphone captures sound, the amplifier boosts the strength of the electrical signal. This is where the key advantage of properly fit digital prescription hearing aids comes into play—they don’t just
amplify all sounds equally. Instead, they amplify sounds based on an individual’s hearing loss profile and their prescription. Typically, certain frequencies are amplified more than others. For instance, if someone has difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds like birds chirping or certain consonants in speech, those sounds will be boosted more than others.
3. Processor: Making It Smart
Today’s hearing aids are more than simple amplifiers. Most use a **digital signal processor (DSP)**, which allows the hearing aid to analyze the sound environment. This allows the device to differentiate between speech and background noise, reducing unwanted noise and improving speech clarity. Advanced hearing aids can also adapt to different environments, adjusting amplification for a quiet room or a noisy outdoor setting.
4. Receiver: Delivering Sound to the Ear
Once the sound is processed and amplified, the signal is sent to the receiver (or speaker), which converts the electrical signals back into sound waves. These amplified sound waves are delivered into the ear, allowing the user to hear more clearly.
5. Customization and Adjustments
Most hearing aids must fit to the prescription and fine-tuned by the audiologist to suit an individual’s unique hearing loss. These adjustments are based on audiometric tests and personal preferences, allowing users to have different settings for various listening environments.
Why Communication Skills Are Still Important
While hearing aids significantly improve the ability to hear, they
aren’t a complete solution. They don’t restore hearing to normal levels or eliminate all challenges, particularly in noisy environments or when dealing with multiple speakers. Therefore, communication skills remain essential for effective interaction.
1. Active Listening
Hearing aids make sounds louder, but users still need to focus on understanding speech, especially in noisy or complex environments. Active listening, maintaining eye contact, and reading body language help people with hearing loss grasp the full context of a conversation.
2. Clarification and Feedback
Even with hearing aids, there will be times when the user misses part of a conversation. It’s important to feel comfortable asking for clarification or repetition when needed. This enhances understanding and prevents misunderstandings.
3. Effective Speaking
Clear communication is a twoway street. When speaking to someone with hearing aids, others should be mindful of articulation and pace.
Speaking clearly, facing the listener, and reducing background noise can make communication much smoother.
4. Patience and Adaptability
Both hearing aid users and their communication partners benefit from patience and adaptability. Conversations may need to be slower, and repeating key points might be necessary. Good communication skills, such as being mindful of these needs, contribute to successful and fulfilling interactions.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are powerful tools that help individuals with hearing loss better perceive the world of sound. However, they are not a cure. Communication skills like active listening, clear articulation, and patience are still essential in ensuring effective interactions. By combining the technology of hearing aids with strong interpersonal skills, individuals can enjoy more seamless and rewarding conversations, improving both their personal and social lives.
At Palm Coast and Ormond Hearing Centers, our mission is to provide the best quality hearing care possible, educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Want to learn more about hearing health? Visit our website at palmcoasthearingcenter.com and click the “About” button, then “Helpful Articles”. You can also schedule an appointment online. We also have a second location to serve you in Ormond Beach at www. ormondhearingcenter.com, or you can call us at 386-283-4932.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Oceanfront house is Flagler’s top sale
Ahouse at 26 N. Ocean Ridge Blvd. in Ocean Hammock was the top real estate transaction for Sept. 12-20 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Sept. 17, for $3,965,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 4/5 and has ocean views, a private beach walkover, a pool and 5,055 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $3.6 million.
PALM COAST
Not in subdivision
The house at 25 Coolidge Court sold on Sept. 13, for $860,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/2 and has a dock and 2,392 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $610,000.
Hammock Dunes
The house at 4 Cordoba Court sold on Sept. 12, for
$1,014,400. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 3,442 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $839,000.
Ocean Hammock
The house at 40 Kingfisher Lane sold on Sept. 16, for $1,290,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/4 and has a pool, outdoor kitchen and 3,072 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $690,000.
The house at 3 Sandpiper Lane sold on Sept. 17, for $830,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/3 and has a screened-in pool and 2,121 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $600,000.
Sanctuary The house at 2 Caitlin Court sold on Sept. 17, for $1,275,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 5/4 and has a dock and 4,612 square feet.
Palm Harbor The house at 46 Cottonwood Court sold on Sept. 16, for $993,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has a boathouse with a boat lift and 2,554 square feet.
The house at 6 Colony Court sold on Sept. 13, for $890,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and a boat dock with a lift and 2,202 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $675,000.
The house at 25 Cleveland Court sold on Sept. 12, for $900,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a dock, a boat lift, a pool and 2,538 square feet.
Palm Coast Plantation
The house at 165 S. Riverwalk Drive sold on Sept. 17, for $1,043,750. Built in 2017, the house is a 3/4 and has a heated pool, spa, sauna and 2,989 square feet.
Rollins Dunes
The house at 25 Rollins Dunes Drive sold on Sept. 18, for $1.9 million. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool and 3,968 square feet.
Armand Beach Estates
The house at 17 Ocean Dune Circle sold on Sept. 12, for $1,663,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/3 and has ocean views, a private path to the beach and 2,650 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $833,000.
Grand Haven
The house at 59 Osprey Circle sold on Sept. 16, for $700,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/3 and has a screened-in lanai, pool and 2,777 square feet.
FLAGLER BEACH
Venice Park
The house at 164 Avalon Ave. sold on Sept. 18, for $523,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 2/2 and has a dock, boat lift and 1,320 square feet.
FLAGLER COUNTY
Plantation Bay
The house at 164 Woodbridge Drive sold on Sept. 20, for $1,462,500. Built in 2010, the house is a 3/4 with two half-baths and has a saltwater pool, hot tub and 4,642 square feet.
The house at 508 Stirling Bridge Drive sold on Sept. 16, for $855,914. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has a covered lanai and 2,813 square feet.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Breakaway Trails home tops Ormond sales list
Ahouse at 41 Forest View Way in the Breakaway Trails subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Sept. 14-20 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Sept. 19, for $525,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 3,237 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $238,000.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 55 Vining Court, Unit 2110, sold on Sept. 16, for $177,500. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/1.5 and has 930 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $175,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Breakaway Trails
The house at 30 Creek Bluff Way sold on Sept. 16, for $375,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,915 square feet.
Brookwood
The house at 56 Mayfield Terrace sold on Sept. 17, for $355,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,833 square feet. It last
Nancy Cortez is Main Street Volunteer of the Year
sold in 2011 for $146,500.
Club View Villas
The townhouse at 60 N. Halifax Drive, Unit 116, sold on Sept. 16, for $368,000. Built in 1984, the townhouse is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,083 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $175,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 2796 Portadown St. sold on Sept. 20, for $359,990. Once built, the house will be a 3/2 and have 1,614 square feet.
Lauderdale
The house at 543 N. Halifax Drive sold on Sept. 19, for $350,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,662 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $222,500.
Ormond MainStreet Past President Nancy Niewiaroski Cortez was named the Florida Main Street Volunteer of the Year at the recent 2024 Preservation on Main Street Conference in Tallahassee.
Oak Forest The house at 15 Sycamore Circle sold on Sept. 18, for $510,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,779 square feet. It last sold in 1997 for $129,000.
Not in subdivision
The house at 475 Leeway Trail sold on Sept. 16, for $565,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2, sits on 5 acres and has 1,382 square feet.
The Trails The house at 3 Holly Ridge Trail sold on Sept. 19, for $395,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,958 square feet.
Woodmere
The house at 55 Merrywood Circle sold on Sept. 17, for $380,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,760 square feet. It last sold in 1997 for $89,900.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Brendale Heights
The house at 125 Longwood Drive sold on Sept. 20, for $200,2000. Built in 1958, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,130 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $89,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Cortez, a real estate agent with Adams, Cameron and Co. Realtors and a resident of Ormond Beach, has served on the Ormond MainStreet Executive Board for over 15 years, including serving as president from 2020-2023. During this time, Cortez has spearheaded the nonprofits large fundraisers. Cortez also serves as the Ormond MainStreet volunteer coordinator, a role she created that works to secure and schedule over 100 volunteers at times for a single event, and leads historic tours with the Ormond Beach Historical Society.
Seminole Palms
Non Sequitur
Nancy
Mother Goose and Grimm
The Duplex
In the Bleachers
Cornered
Ziggy
The Fusco Brothers
SPORTS
Record breaker
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
When Flagler Palm Coast defensive end Colby Cronk broke the school career record for sacks on Sept. 13, the Bulldogs’ coaches didn’t realize it until they tabulated the stats the next day.
With running back Marcus Mitchell needing 211 yards to break the school’s career rushing record, they didn’t want to be a day late again. So, coach Daniel Fish had a coach in the press box keep Mitchell’s stats during the Bulldogs’ homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 20.
Mitchell ran roughshod over Zephyrhills Christian Academy. According to the live stats, he rushed for 221 yards — 10 yards to spare — and four touchdowns in FPC’s 50-19 victory. Mitchell broke Que’Shaun Byrd’s career record of 3,402 yards set in 2016. Mitchell’s father, who died in 2019, owned the record before Byrd broke it.
“It’s a really big accomplishment for me because it was my dad’s record that was beaten,” Mitchell said. “Regaining the title for my father and everything, I feel accomplished, especially with this game, during homecoming with everybody around to witness it.”
Friends, relatives, teammates and coaches took turns giving Mitchell hugs at the end of the game.
“I almost started tearing up,” he said. “But I’ve got to keep my composure.”
With FPC’s next two games on the road, the Bulldogs wanted to see Mitchell break the record before a standing-room-only stadium crowd on homecoming night, even if he had to gain over 200 yards to do it.
“It’s kind of like a surreal experience,” Fish said. “We knew it was going to happen this year, but when it happens, you’re so proud and you’re so excited. He’s an amazing kid, an
Flagler Palm Coast’s Marcus Mitchell breaks school rushing record for his dad
amazing athlete. I’m just so happy for him and I’m excited to see what he’ll continue to do. I think he’ll break a college rushing record wherever he ends up. So I’m just excited to continue watching him grow and continue to be a part of his journey.”
The Bulldogs improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2019 when they won their first six games and finished 8-3.
FPC led Zyphyrhills Christian 44-7 in the first half to force a running clock after halftime. The Warriors added two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs got the ball just once after halftime, but that was all they needed for their senior running back to break the school rushing record while scoring his third touchdown of the game.
Sophomore Braylyn Simmons scored two touchdowns and Hayden Hayes threw two touchdown passes, one to Simmons and one to Roman Caliendo.
Mitchell scored on an 8-yard run on FPC’s first possession. But the Warriors quickly tied the score as Kendall Johnson ran back the kickoff for a long touchdown. FPC then scored on its next five possessions and added a safety before halftime.
The Bulldogs’ defense forced two Warrior fumbles and Cronk added three more sacks. He broke his position coach’s record with a five-sack game against Lake Brantley on Sept. 13. Mike London’s old record was 32.5. Cronk now has 38.5.
“I knew that coach London had the record previously. So I was messing with him a little bit,” Cronk said. “But he contributed a lot to the sack record. He coaches me every single day. He’s always there. So, I attribute it to him.”
London said he was happy to see one of his players break his record.
“We put the work in together,” London said.
Cronk keeps adding to his FPC legacy. Last spring he won the state shot put championship and finished second in discus. He also has a 5.02 GPA.
“I love the school,” he said. “I have a lot of pride in it and being able to make a record like that for football is awesome.”
Fish said Mitchell and Cronk could also break single-season records this year.
“They put in the work, especially this last season,” Fish said. “They were just so unsatisfied, so uncomfortable being 3-7 last year, and I’m the same way. The three of us got together and said we got to change this. So, they were the main driving force of changing the culture of this football team and they did every single thing I asked them to do in the weight room, in the classroom and
the leadership role on the field and off the field. I’m just so proud and happy for them. They deserve it. They’ve done so much for the program, for their school. And it’s just an amazing feeling.”
FPC sweeps Seabreeze to place fifth in Five Star Conference tournament
The Bulldogs’ volleyball team improved to 9-4. The Sandcrabs fell to 6-5.
After going five sets with Mainland two nights earlier, Flagler Palm Coast breezed to a three-set victory over visiting Seabreeze on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Five Star Conference volleyball consolation final. The Bulldogs beat the Sandcrabs 25-16, 25-18 and 25-15.
FPC, 9-4 heading into a Sept. 24 game at St. Joseph Academy, placed fifth in the conference tournament. Seabreeze, which beat Taylor on Sept. 17 to advance to the consolation final, finished sixth in the tournament.
DeLand (18-2) won the Five Star title with a 3-0 victory over Spruce Creek in the championship game. New Smyrna Beach defeated Uni -
versity for third place.
Seabreeze (6-5) was playing without middle blocker Carley Bandell, who suffered a severe ankle sprain the day before in practice.
“That was a hard blow for our team,” Sandcrabs coach Janet Bruce said. “We’re going to have to work through it. The girls were being thrown into a new rotation tonight. They just weren’t together, and it’s understandable when you lose a key starting player.”
FPC’s Faith Dailey and Grace Taylor, who share the right-side hitter and setter positions, led the Bulldogs. Taylor has 14 assists, 11 kills and 10 digs. Dailey had 14 digs, 14 assists and six kills. Marina Carlisi and Dyllis Mballsube added eight
seven kills, respectively.
“Both
a
The FPC Starlets performed with the band at halftime.
FPC sacks record holder Colby Cronk chases quarterback Jadon Olaffson.
FPC coach Daniel Fish talks to the players after the homecoming game.
FPC teammates congratulate Marcus Mitchell (4) after he scored a touchdown.
Eau Gallie, ranked 15th in Florida by MaxPreps.
and
Adeline Bethea and Peyton Hebert each had four kills for the Sandcrabs. Haven Price had seven blocks, Lilli Litz had eight digs, Victoria Kenyon had six digs and Andie Litz had eight assists.
The Buldogs and Sandcrabs had several long rallies in the match.
teams were picking up a bunch of balls,” Bruce said. “They did
good job to keep it going.”
Seabreeze’s Bella Tedesco serves.
Seabreeze’s Adeline Bethea passes.
FPC’s Marina Carlisi applauds after the Bulldogs’ three-set victory over Seabreeze
FPC’s Grace Taylor (23) sets for a teammate.
Matanzas rises
Matanzas tops Seabreeze 18-10 in a battle of young football squads
MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Matanzas head football coach Matt Forrest said the Pirates’ game against Seabreeze on Sept. 20 was a case of two young teams finding their identity.
The Pirates seem to be on the right track. With an 18-10 win over the Sandcrabs at Daytona Stadium, Matanzas improved to 3-2 on the season.
After 17 Matanzas seniors graduated last year, Forrest said the Pirates have been rebuilding with a young core.
“For a lot of our guys, this was only their fifth start of varsity football,” he said. “For a lot of their guys, it was only their third start of varsity football. You saw two teams that were playing hard, playing fast and trying to find a way to win a football game. Mistakes happen when you go full speed like that. (The Sandcrabs are) getting better every week. We have to keep doing that as well.”
Seabreeze, which fell to 0-3, took an early lead on quarterback Zachary Voltaire’s 61-yard touchdown run.
Less than one minute later, Matanzas wide receiver Ladarian Baker caught a pass from quarterback Caden Burchfield and took it into the end zone for a 60-yard touchdown.
Radio/stream: Listen — WZNF 94.9 FM; Flaglerbroadcasting.com; Flagler Radio app. Watch — Flagler Radio YouTube Channel; WNZF Facebook Page.
Saturday: Rich and Mike Show, 7:30 a.m. WNZF. Podcast on website and app.
SEABREEZE AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 27
Records: Seabreeze 0-3, NSB 3-1
Tickets: gofan.co
Baker is a junior and has been playing football since the eighth grade. He said he was thankful for his coach, a great offensive line and a quarterback who got the ball to him.
“Good team, man,” he said. “We executed and did what we were supposed to do. I love them. We just did our thing.”
In the second quarter, Burchfield orchestrated a scoring drive which sophomore Wiley Connor finished off with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Pirates up 13-7.
Voltaire appeared to score another touchdown in the second quarter, but it was called back because of an illegal shift. With less than a minute before halftime, Drew McNerney kicked a 35-yard field goal to pull the Sandcrabs within three points at 13-10.
Forrest said the Pirates’ defense is playing well, but the offense has to tighten up. They were forced into a lot of second-and-longs and thirdand-longs which, he said, is hard for an inexperienced football team to overcome.
“We have to tighten up with overall execution,” he said. “It seems like the last two weeks we’ve been plagued by one guy on the field not doing the job 100% correctly. When you do that on offense against sound defensive teams, it catches you.”
Seabreeze quarterback Jayce Gainer came in for Voltaire eight minutes into the third quarter. He was sacked in the end zone after a bad snap resulting in a Matanzas safety. A little over two minutes later, Alex Procek kicked a 34-yard field goal for the Pirates.
Seabreeze turned the ball over with less than one minute left in the game to end the Sandcrabs hopes of a comeback.
Seabreeze receivers coach Mark Lewis said he attributed the mistakes to the Sandcrabs being a very young team. Head coach Mike Klein told his players they probably had close to 100 yards in penalties.
“The mistakes put (us) in a hole,” Lewis said. “(The players) fought valiantly to rectify everything to get back in the game, but unfortunately the hole that they dug was too deep.”
Matanzas hosts Mainland on Friday, Sept. 27 in a game that will likely decide the District 4-5A championship and an automatic spot in the playoffs. Mainland is 0-5 for the first time in 31 years, but the Bucs have played an extremely tough schedule and are aiming to reach the playoffs for the 31st consecutive season. Belleview, the other team in the district, has lost 13 games in a row. They are 0-4 this season.
Seabreeze travels to New Smyrna Beach on Friday.
Lewis said the Sandcrabs will be going back to the drawing board and focusing on all aspects of the game with the exception of special teams which continues to be their “bright spot.”
“If the other two phases of the game can catch up to our special teams, I think we are going to be good,” he said. “It’s a process.”
He said the Sandcrabs match up really well with the Barracudas.
“It’s going to come down to the team who makes the fewest mistakes,” Lewis said. “We’ve got a good group of kids. They work hard. They’re just learning how to win. We don’t have enough football experience now, but I like the future of our team.”
Matanzas quarterback Caden Burchfield (7) grabs the snap as Asim Tariq (54) blocks a Seabreeze defensive lineman.
Seabreeze Principal Tucker Harris stands with the Little Sandcrabs before they join the cheerleaders.
Matanzas wide receiver Ladarian Baker sprints for a first down before getting pushed out of bounds by Seabreeze linemen Zabidiah Martin (55) and Matthew Wells. Photos by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze’s Jeremias George (11) faces Matanzas’ Ladarian Baker (3).
Matanzas cheerleaders get the crowd going during the game against
Seabreeze. Seabreeze fans take over the stands.
SIDE LINES
Mainland falls in Georgia, 10-7
Before the season, Mainland’s first-year football coach
Jerrime Bell said the first half of the Bucs’ schedule would be killer. He wasn’t kidding.
Mainland traveled to Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia, on Sept. 20 to take on the Trojans in a battle of defending state champs.
Coffee held off the Bucs 10-7 to improve to 5-0 while dropping Mainland to 0-5 for the first time in 31 years.
Edward Williams scored the Bucs’ touchdown on a 15-yard run to complete a 72-yard drive in the fourth quarter.
Mainland plays perhaps its most important game of the season on Friday, Sept. 27, weather permitting, in a district contest at Matanzas. The winner will be in the driver’s seat for the championship of the three-team district and an automatic berth to the playoffs. The Bucs have not missed the playoffs since 1993.
Pirate golfers top Menendez
The Matanzas boys golf team beat Pedro Menendez for the second time this seaso on Sept. 24, 180-192, at Palm Harbor Golf Club. Trevor Challice led the Pirates with a 41.
The Pirates shot 172 in losses to Father Lopez (161) and Tocoi Creek (154) last week. Jack Rosseheim shot a 34 to lead Lopez.
shot 37 in both matches. The Pirates’ Jacob Roster shot 40 against the Green Wave and 43 against Tocoi Creek. Brady Peck shot 44 for Matanzas in the Lopez match.
Lawton Levoy named to FHSAA advisory committee
Mainland High School junior Lawton Levoy is one of 16 students in the state who have been selected to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
According to the FHSAA’s website, the committee serves as a critical link in identifying topics, issues and concerns that face student athletes of the state of Florida.
This year, the FHSAA received over 60 applications from students across Florida. The 16 selected to the committee were chosen based on their sports participation, extracurricular activities, an essay and their leadership skills.
Levoy is a flag football player, an athletic training aide and a manager for the Buccaneers’ football and basketball teams. She volunteers with Oceans Luxury Realty community movie nights. During her time
Trainer acted quickly in emergency
It was a hot and humid morning on the Flagler Palm Coast practice field. But not hot enough for the wet bulb globe thermometer to cancel the football team’s conditioning session.
Defensive end Stacy Mitchell was not feeling well that day during the summer. He hadn’t eaten much or drank much fluids. It was a potential recipe for a bad outcome, athletic trainer Ron Steinwehr said.
on the advisory committee, she said she wants to be a voice for female athletic programs.
Kuchar visits Hammock Beach
PGA Tour pro Matt Kuchar visited Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa on Sept. 17 for an engaging meet-and-greet, a live golf demonstration, and a Q&A; session with members and guests.
Email: Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com
TRIBUTES
Arturo “Art” Giliberti
June 22, 1930 - August 12, 2024
Arturo “Art” Giliberti, beloved father, grandfather, and community member, passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on June 22, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, Art led a life defined by service, devotion, and integrity. At 18, Art enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning, Art found his calling In civil service work. He eventually answered the call as a New York City Firefighter, a role he embraced the day before marrying the love of his life, Marie Giliberti. They met on a blind date, and their bond was inseparable until Marie’s passing earlier this year on April 18, 2024. Together, they raised 3 daughters, their 4th daughter was born with down syndrome and tragically passed away at a very young age.
Due to a work related injury, Art retired from the fire department after 13 yrs of service. He and his family relocated to South Florida, where Art pursued further education and earned a specialist degree in education. He spent the next chapter of his life as a teacher and coach, shaping young minds and athletes until his retirement in 1992.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, which destroyed their home, Art and Marie made a permanent move to Flagler Beach, Florida. There, Art became an active member of Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church and a proud Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, dedicating his time to faith and community service.
Art also found joy in the Senior Games, where he won numerous gold medals in track and field and swimming.
His passion for competition reflected his lifelong commitment to perseverance, health, and self discipline.
Art was known for his great moral character, kindness , and devotion to family. He is survived by his three daughters, Janine Giliberti, Diane Sweeney, and Lori Giliberti, along with his cherished grandchildren Kira Chichersky, Tatiana Paris, Brendan Sweeney, Meghan Sweeney and Shaina Sweeney. Art’s life was a testament to courage, love, and dedication, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church on Oct 5th, 11:30 rosary, 11:45 firefighter tribute and a Mass at noon. To be followed by a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Coast Honor Flights www.firstcoasthonorflight/donation [please note in comments in memory of Art Giliberti] In honor of Art’s lifelong commitment to service and community.
After the outdoor conditioning, coach Daniel Fish directed the players back to the locker room to cool off and drink water before going to the weight room to complete the morning workout.
Steinwehr went back to his office.
“All of a sudden,” he said, “two coaches ran to me, ‘Mr. Ron, Stacy’s down. He needs your help.”
Steinwehr found Mitchell slumped over, not responsive and sweating profusely.
“It was a case of exertional heat stroke,” Steinwehr said.
Steinwehr and the coaches took Mitchell over to the coldwater immersion tub in the athletic training room.
The tub is next to the ice machine. They added four gallons of ice to the water and wrapped cold towels around Mitchell’s neck and face.
“We monitored his vitals, then called 911 and contacted his dad. In less than 10 minutes, EMS arrived,” Steinwehr said.
They stabilized him and when Mitchell’s father arrived they felt comfortable enough to let him drive Stacy home.
“Exertional heat stroke is 100% treatable if you have the right equipment,” Steinwehr said.
Steinwehr and Matanzas athletic trainer Michael Doersch are employed by AdventHealth as part of the health care organization’s formal partnership with Flagler Schools representing a $750,000 commitment to bolster student mental health, provide care for student athletes and establish more career pathways for graduates, according to an AdventHealth press release.
In an AdventHealth video interview, Mitchell said normally if he’s not feeling well he stays home, but on that day he pushed himself.
“Little did I know we were going to run a whole bunch,” he said. “After we got done running, we walked back. I sat there in my locker for five to 10 minutes. I couldn’t move.”
In the immersion bath, he
said his feet were freezing cold.
“I always appreciate my coaches and my athletic trainer, Mr. Ron,” he said. “I feel like they’re so caring, great people who want the best for everybody. As long as you’re here, you’re family.” Mitchell said he learned his lesson the hard way.
“We educate them about heat-related illnesses and remind them constantly to hydrate, eat properly and listen to their bodies,” Steinwehr said.
“I always appreciate my coaches and my athletic trainer, Mr. Ron. I feel like they’re so caring, great people who want the best for everybody. As long as you’re here, you’re family.”
STACY MITCHELL
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Challice
FPC trainer Ron Steinwehr acted quickly when Stacy Mitchell showed signs of exertional heat stroke after a summer conditioning session. Courtesy photo from AdventHealth
Mainland High’s Lawton Levoy is one of 16 Florida student athletes named to the FHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Courtesy photo
PGA Tour pro Matt Kuchar talks with members and guests at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
cation if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Si usted es una persona minusválida que necesita algún acomodamiento para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene derecho, sin tener gastos propios, a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Tenga la amabilidad de ponerse en contacto con Anne Pierce, Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Avenue, Suite D-305, Deland, Florida 32724 Phone no. 386-626-6561 por lo menos 7 días antes de la cita fijada para su comparecencia en los tribunales, o inmediatamente después de recibir esta notificación si el tiempo antes de la comparecencia que se ha programado es menos de 7 días; si usted tiene discapacitación del oído o de la voz, llame al 711. Si ou se yon moun ki andikape ou enfim ki bezwen akomodasyon pou w ka patisipe nan pwosedi sa, ou kalifye san ou pa gen okenn lajan pou w peye, gen pwovizyon pou jwen kèk èd. Tanpri kontakte Anne Pierce, Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Avenue, Suite D-305, Deland, Florida 32724 Phone no. 386-626-6561 nan 7 jou anvan dat ou gen randevou pou parèt nan tribinal la, oubyen imedyatman apre ou fin resevwa konvokasyon an si lè ou gen pou w parèt nan tribinal la mwens ke
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 31918 CICI CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF EDDIE L. GENTLE A/K/A EDDIE GENTLE, DECEASED, et al. Defendant(s).
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 16, 2024, and entered in 2023 31918 CICI of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC is the Plaintiff and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF EDDIE L. GENTLE A/K/A EDDIE GENTLE, DECEASED; JENNIFER GOINES; ANGELA P. GENTLE; EDDIE GENTLE, JR.; DERICK GENTLE; TERRY GENTLE; DAMIAN GENTLE; KEESHA CREWS-GENTLE; OLIVIA GENTLE; ESTEBAN WADE GENTLE; ADOLPHUS SYLVESTER GENTLE; SHIRLEY ANN GENTLE; STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AQUA FINANCE, INC. are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00
peekers’ place
AM, on October 16, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: THE SOUTHERLY 55 FEET OF LOTS 5 AND 6, BLOCK 8, PLAT 2 PLAN OF DAYTONA GARDENS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGE 37, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Property Address: 229 SOUTH ADAMS STREET, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland,
